New Hotels.com pricing index reveals when and where to score best hotel rates this summer

Rhea-AI Summary

Hotels.com released its first Hot Price Index, indicating higher summer hotel prices compared to 2019, averaging over $200 per night in key U.S. destinations.

The report highlights expensive summer spots like the Hamptons and offers discount opportunities in regions like South America and Europe. Comprehensive savings tips include traveling off-peak and considering lesser-known destinations. The index reveals affordable international rates for under $200 in cities such as Buenos Aires and Glasgow. The analysis is based on prices from April 1-12, 2022.

Positive

• Introduction of the Hot Price Index could attract more users to Hotels.com.
• Identification of cheaper destinations can lead to increased bookings.
• Insightful data on pricing trends aids in strategic travel planning.

Negative

• Average hotel rates are significantly higher than in 2019, which may deter budget-conscious travelers.
• Certain destinations are projected to be 25% more expensive than previous years, risking reduced occupancy.

As summer travel demand – and prices – heat up, Hotels.com shares where to book to save big

DALLAS, April 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Arriving just in time for summer and what's expected to be a record-breaking travel season, Hotels.com is releasing its inaugural Hot Price Index, which tracks average nightly hotel rates in hundreds of destinations worldwide to help travelers find the best lodging deals.

"Hotels typically increase their rates when demand is high during the busy summer travel season," says Melissa Dohmen, spokesperson and lodging expert at Hotels.com. "But this year more than ever we're starved for a proper summer vacation, and it's dialing up competition for rooms and rates in top destinations. Add in that this is happening at a time when everything seems to cost more, and it's easy to see why some travelers are starting their vacation in search of a good deal."

Summer Savings Outlook
According to Hotels.com, travelers can expect to pay more for their hotel rooms this summer than in 2019. Current average rates are above $200 a night in top destinations. Some of the most expensive U.S. destinations to book a hotel this summer include the Hamptons, Maui, and Telluride.

Internationally, the best hotel rates are in South America, the Nordics, parts of Western Europe and the Caribbean. Cities in Denmark, the Netherlands and Bahamas are almost 15% cheaper this summer compared with 2019, whereas rates in Italy and France are up about 25%. Saint-Tropez and Turks and Caicos topped the list for overall most expensive summer getaways.

According to Dohmen, vacationers can find plenty of summer savings by planning trips to destinations that are trending cheaper this summer and traveling when rates are at their lowest. "Consider destinations outside of your usual vacation spots and if you don't have to stick to a specific travel date, book during non-peak travel times. Mid-May and the latter part of August can be great times to save as seasonally high prices haven't ramped up yet."

Hot Deals on Domestic Travel
Fans of the great outdoors, city life or beaches can save this summer depending on when and where they travel. Hotels.com analyzed thousands of rates on its site and mobile app to generate a month-by-month guide on where to go to uncover below-average nightly rates across the country.

• May: Get an early start on outdoor adventures
• Carlsbad, New Mexico: $125
• White Mountains, New Hampshire: $145
• Lake Powell, Arizona: $155
• June: Hit the water
• The Oregon Coast: $160
• South Shore Beaches, Massachusetts: $220
• San Juan (Washington) Islands: $235
• July: Visit big cities for less
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: $225
• San Francisco, California: $230
• Los Angeles, California: $235
• August: Explore small cities with big charm
• Boulder, Colorado: $170
• Portland, Oregon: $170
• Austin, Texas: $190

International Travel for $200 or Less
As travel restrictions ease in many parts of the world, globetrotters are eager to go abroad again. Lucky for them, the Hotels.com Hot Price Index uncovered international destinations with rates at or below $200 a night.

• May: Take a trip to Northern and Western Europe
• Brussels, Belgium: $140
• Glasgow, Scotland: $145
• Zurich, Switzerland: $200
• June: Explore south of the border
• Buenos Aires, Argentina: $75
• Mexico City, Mexico: $95
• Lima, Peru: $100
• July: Go sightseeing in France, Germany and Austria
• Paris, France: $125
• Berlin, Germany: $135
• Vienna, Austria: $165
• August: Walk the streets of a capital city
• Madrid, Spain: $135
• Sydney, Australia: $145
• Copenhagen, Denmark: $210

As a reminder, travelers should check for travel advisories and restrictions in their vacation destination and always follow health and safety guidance from health officials and local authorities.

For more information, including a full list of destinations featured in the Hotels.com Hot Price Index and intel on where to save the most this summer, contact Melissa Dohmen and the Hotels.com press office (press@hotels.com).

Notes to Editors
The Hotels.com Hot Rate Index was compiled from April 1-12, 2022, based on current rates on Hotels.com and mobile apps for travel booked May 1 – August 31, 2022. Rates are variable and subject to change.

About Hotels.com® (or Hotels.com™)
Hotels.com® is the most rewarding way to book a place to stay. We really love travel, and we know you do too. That's why we make it really easy to book with us. With hundreds of thousands of places to stay around the world and 90 local websites in 41 languages, Hotels.com has it all. So, whether you're looking for value in Vegas, treehouses in Thailand or villas with views, it's all just a click away.  And with our "Reward-winning" loyalty program you earn free*** nights while you sleep…what could be better? Booking just got smarter too. With over 25 million real guest reviews and an app so easy to use that it's been downloaded 70 million times, you can be sure to find the perfect place for you.

© 2022 Hotels.com, LP.  All rights reserved. Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST #2083949-50

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-hotelscom-pricing-index-reveals-when-and-where-to-score-best-hotel-rates-this-summer-301528372.html

SOURCE Hotels.com

FAQ

What is the Hotels.com Hot Price Index?

The Hot Price Index tracks average nightly hotel rates in various destinations to help travelers find the best deals.

How much have hotel rates increased compared to 2019?

Hotel rates are expected to average over $200 per night this summer, significantly higher than 2019 rates.

Which U.S. destinations are the most expensive this summer?

The most costly U.S. destinations include the Hamptons, Maui, and Telluride.

Where can travelers find the best deals internationally?

Travelers can find great rates in South America and the Nordics, with cities like Denmark and the Bahamas seeing decreases in hotel prices.

When is the best time to travel for lower hotel rates?

Traveling in mid-May and late August can yield significant savings as prices are generally lower during these non-peak periods.